Health leaders’ Easter plea to patients

Patients are being urged to be ready for Easter by planning ahead for repeat prescriptions and using NHS services wisely.

GP surgeries will be closed during the Easter weekend from Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April. By re-stocking their medicine cabinets if needed, knowing when their GP surgery is open and planning ahead for any necessary repeat prescriptions, patients can ensure they make the most of the Easter holiday.

“If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday period.

“Making sure you have the right medicines in the first place could make all the difference when it comes to keeping well this Easter. For those with long-term health problems taking daily medication is an important part of their treatment, and many are at risk of suffering serious attacks or hospitalisation if medical supplies run out.

“The Easter holiday period can be a very busy time for the local NHS, so picking up a repeat prescription in advance could help keep staff free to deal with life-threatening emergencies.

“If you become unwell over Easter and need advice or medical treatment quickly, then you should call NHS 111, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By calling NHS 111 you will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can best meet your needs.

“Common ailments such as colds can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine such as pain relief, cough mixture and cold remedies. So, it’s important to make sure your medicine cabinet at home is well stocked and contains sufficient over-the countermedicines to treat minor ailments."

Other NHS services open over the Easter period include: Derby’s Walk-in Centre (seven days a week, 8am to 7.30pm) and the out-of-hours walk-in service at St Oswald’s Hospital, Ashbourne (9am to 1pm at weekends and Bank Holidays). Derby’s Open Access Centre is also open seven days a week (01332 275610, 8am to 8pm).

Swadlincote Health Centre provides urgent care when GP surgeries are closed, and will be open from 9am to 11pm from Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive. Minor injury units can be found at Buxton Hospital (open 7 days a week; 8am-10pm), Ilkeston Community Hospital (24 hours), Ripley Hospital (open 7 days a week: 8am-10pm) and Whitworth Hospital (open 7 days a week; 8am-10pm). More details on this webpage:

Patients are being urged to be ready for Easter by planning ahead for repeat prescriptions
and using NHS services wisely. GP surgeries will be closed during the Easter weekend from Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April.